With a bark and a leap, "Let's Go!"

This has been one of those weeks! I am unsure if it is the fact that we are getting ready to leave the country, and I am trying to concentrate on packing, or because my daughter has a HUGE gymnastics meet this weekend hosted by our gym, which is requiring a lot of work, or if it’s just one of those weeks that seem upside down to me.

Don’t get me wrong; I know that everyone has his or her days…but ALL week??

Everything has been a little off. My eating, my fluid intake, my workouts. Especially my workouts. Everyday, I seem to be having a hard time getting out and getting them done. It is a huge effort. Barely getting each one in, by the skin on my teeth. I am sorry, motivation….but where have you been hiding this week?

I think on these days, I need to take a cue from our Golden Retriever, Tucker. EVERYDAY and EVERYTIME he has the opportunity to head out on a run, he is excited. Enthusiastic. You can tell by the look on his face, and behavior, that, right in that moment, as I grab his leash, and he knows he “get’s to go” that this is the best moment in his life. He smiles, he dances, twists and turns, yippy barks, and actually chatters his teeth in anticipation. Chatters his teeth!!

I looked at him the other night, when my day had gotten too busy, and I was dreading heading out on a run, and thought, “I need to have that attitude” It was late and I was cozy, and was ready to skip my run. To nestle down on my big comfy couch with my extra-thick quilt, and a good book. But I looked at Tucker. He was curled up in our family room, warm, sleepy, and comfy too, but the second I grabbed my shoes, he was UP! Ready to go! Excited! It took him no time, to ease himself up. To talk himself into going. To motivate or guilt himself. He just jumped up, ready to go!

I need to be leaping in the air every time I lace up my running shoes. I need to look forward to that run, bike, or swim with great expectations, every single day. Every chance I can get to be out there, I need to be thankful. Beside myself, blissful! I need to leap in the air, and know that when I “get to go” this is the best moment of my day. And I am going to feel GREAT afterwards. I am happy that Tucker reminds me of how great it is to get outside, in the fresh air and push my strong body. To have fun, just running. Doesn’t matter what time of day, what’s going on in life, how dark it is and how comfy I am. Lace up the shoes, grab the leash, leap in the air, and get out there! "Let's Go!"